Bird-watching Introduction Weekend, Bozevce, 7 – 9 June 2025
You love nature? You want to learn more about birds? Join us for a bird-watching introduction weekend, in a beautiful and very biodiverse rural area! You will learn how to use binoculars, to recognize the most common species of birds, some useful tools to identify birds, about citizen science and how to enter bird-watching data.
Activity description:
They announce spring, are seen as messengers or symbolize peace, freedom or majesty; some are appreciated singers while others are unloved and considered pests; raised or hunted, they are sources of food, but also of feathers and fertilizer: birds leave no one indifferent and are everywhere, in our cultures and in our lives.
But what do you really know about birds ? How many species can you recognize ? This bird-watching introduction course aims to introduce you to ornithology and bird recognition.Through field trips and presentations, you’ll learn to recognize the most common birds found in cities, villages, and agricultural areas. We’ll also introduce you to tools and apps that will help you identify birds, discuss the state of ornithology and bird knowledge in Kosovo, and introduce you to citizen science, bird monitoring, and wildlife photography. It will also be an opportunity to gather people from different backgrounds with a common interest in nature and bird watching, and to discuss possibilities of future field trips around bird watching.
Activities will take place in our educational space, which is located in Eastern Kosovo, in Bozevce village, Ranilug municipality, and in the neighbouring areas.
Program
7 JUNE 2025, SATURDAY
Arrival of participants before 11h
11h-12h: Introduction to the Bird-Watching introduction Weekend, presentation of trainer and participants.
Lunch
14h00-18h: How to use binoculars and how to observe and identify birds. Presentation of apps and tools to identify birds. Walk in the property to learn the most common birds.
Dinner
20h-21h: Presentation of the work of GAIA around environmental topics, discussion about state of ornithology and bird knowledge in Kosovo
8 JUNE 2025, SUNDAY
7h-11h: Field trip in the village to discover and observe birds from settlements and meadows, and forests. Introduction to bird calls and songs.
Lunch
15-18h: Field trip to observe raptors, storks and birds from agricultural areas. Introduction to citizen science and bird monitoring, with examples from Kosovo. Introduction to wildlife photography
Dinner, conclusion of the week-end and possibility of follow-up.
9 JUNE 2025, MONDAY
Departure of participants before 11h
About the trainer:
My name is Jules Domalain. I’m a long-term ESC volunteer from France. I’ve been volunteering for GAIA since October 2023. I studied biology and ecology in France, and I’m from a family of birdwatchers and nature-lovers: my brother and my uncle are both professionals’ ornithologists. Since I’m living in Kosovo, I have been carrying an inventory of wildlife in Bozevce. There, I observed 113 species of birds. Birds are abundant here, very diverse, and easy to see, which make the area a perfect spot for beginners to start learning about birdwatching and identification. During this weekend, we will discover birds and I will share with you my knowledge and tips to identify birds.
How to apply!?
- This course is open for 10 participants from Kosovo!
- The only requirements are to be interested in birds and willing to learn!
- No previous experience is needed, on the contrary… This bird-watching course is more for beginners, but more skilled birdwatchers are also welcome!
- Basic English is a plus, but not necessary… we will find a way to communicate.
Participants should be willing to experience :
- Simple and sustainable living principles (compost toilet, saving water, electricity and other resources)
- Vegetarian/Vegan and healthy food
- Sharing space with other participants
- Presence of animals such as dogs, cats, chickens etc.
- Weekend in an isolated village with no shop, no restaurant, only limited internet connection
Fill in the application form HERE by 2nd of June 2025!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to send an e-mail: [email protected]
